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How to write a qualifications summary on a resume

The achievements that make you stand out

As an introduction to your resume, the  qualifications summary is a an excellent option to make sure your application stands out  and grabs the attention of a potential employer.

Hiring managers or human resource staff spend hours looking through resumes when they have a vacancy, this can become very tedious when all of the applications they receive have similar work experience or skill sets. That is why learning  how to write a winning qualifications summary for your resume  could be the key to earning you a chance at an interview for your dream job.

Having an attractive,  optimized resume introduction  like a  qualification summary , also known as a  professional profile  or  summary of qualifications , which showcases your strengths in a short, clear section right at the beginning of your resume is a surefire way to capture the reader’s interest.

Read on for a  simple guide on what to include in a qualifications summary on your resume , tips on how to write it and practical qualification summary examples to help you create one of your own.

The qualifications summary tends to be used more often in  functional or combined resume structures  as opposed to the classic  chronological format  but this is not always the case and can be a great addition to any resume.

What is the Qualifications Summary?

Knowing  how to write a qualifications summary for a resume  can mean the difference between an average application and one that stands out from other candidates.

A  qualifications summary is one of three options for a resume introduction  that begins by  showcasing the most relevant and influential aspects of the candidate’s experience,  such as their major achievements, skills and qualifications.

Contrary to the  resume objective  or  summary statement , a qualifications summary is written in  bullet point format , highlighting the most impressive elements of your professional profile ensuring to  focus on the position  being applied to.

There are  different ways to start a resume  and the qualifications summary is an optional section which can be added or replaced depending on each candidate’s needs. The  resume format  you choose to employ and your level of experience, whether you are writing a student, entry-level or  professional resume , will influence your decision to use the qualifications summary or another of the possible resume introductions.

The  qualifications summary on a resume  is a useful tool for candidates whose resumes will likely be reviewed by Applicant Tracking Systems. The reason for this is that ATS software is designed to read through resumes in order to discard any that do not include the keywords that have been programmed for that particular position. This is a subtle reminder for jobseekers to ensure they  use keywords taken from the job description  etc. to detail their abilities and knowledge.

To  write a qualifications summary  which presents the most inviting information about your professional profile, you must ensure that this section  concentrates on the benefits that you can bring to the company or position  in question. That means that it will include your most outstanding achievements and skills which are  relevant to the sector  and role to which you are applying.

A qualification summary on a resume often attracts attention from potential employers  because it makes their life easier. Hiring managers save time and energy usually spent reading through the entire resume by reading the  highlighted qualifications in the summary  and are able to get a basic understanding of what that candidate can offer the business.

Key qualifications to include on your resume

Whether you use a resume template or not, it is worthwhile to have an idea of some of the  key qualifications to include in your resume  to use as a guide.

The following is a  step-by-step guide to help you get a better understanding of how to write a qualification summary for your resume  using these 6 different points:

1. Start with your expertise : Begin by introducing your  years of experience  in the field or in similar positions for  professional resumes . You can indicate a general overview of your responsibilities in these jobs. Mention here any  special courses or training  you have undertaken. For  students or entry-level candidates , you will  include your highest degree  and can emphasize majoring or minoring in a subject, any projects, or your final thesis, as long as it is relevant to the vacancy.

2. Show off your creative side : Explain an instance in which you have  introduced, implemented or created a program or practice  or found a new solution which has been beneficial to the company or association in some way.

3. Prove your efficiency : Include an  example of when you have increased productivity or revenue for the company  by any means such as using resources well, personal effort, saving time or energy, updating, renewing or improving practices.

4. Acknowledgements : Mention any  awards or honors  you have received for your work or collaboration. If you have been commended in any  publications  or been praised for your actions in any way  related to the position or industry  you are applying to, state the source and the reasons for the recognition.

5. Management : Describe any  positions of leadership  you have held, including the number of people under your supervision, any specific management styles you pertain to, or ways in which you have  managed a project or assignment  and seen it through to the end.

6. Interpersonal skills in practice : Finally, also  include an explanation of your interpersonal skills  and communication. This can allude to relationships with coworkers, junior or senior staff, customers, clients or suppliers. Or you could demonstrate your skills in terms of public speaking or giving presentations.

As well as these 6 points which should be addressed as fully and clearly as possible, you can also introduce any other aspects that are  relevant to the position  and you feel would  benefit your application  or would be advantageous to offer the company.

Although it is highly recommended to  focus your attention on quantifiable examples  and the basic information from these points, you can also  include other soft or hard skills or certificates which may be unique to your application , whilst still tailoring your information the position in order to stand out in the process. Learn more about how to include  professional certificates on your resume .

Following these rules and remembering to  tailor your qualification summary to the position  on offer will help you to create a resume that will get noticed for the right reasons.

Remember, if you need a little extra guidance, you can also use an  online resume builder  to help you  construct an effective resume for your ideal job  with an outstanding qualification summary to boot.

Tips for writing a good qualifications summary

Whether you’re just learning  how to write a qualifications summary for your resume  or you just need to give it a new spin, these top tips will help you make the most of this all-important resume tool.

The  qualifications summary on a resume is a very effective tool  for candidates who have an extensive work history either as a professional in that sector or as a  career changer who has transferable skills .

Examples of Qualifications Summaries

To be able to  create an effective qualification summary introduction , check out some of these examples to grasp the structure and style of qualification summaries.

Key Account Manager Qualifications Summary Example

• Sociable – Organized – Goal-oriented
• 5 years experience in customer and client relationship building.
• Exceeded sales targets by more than 60% two years running.
• Landed and managed several individual client accounts worth $100,000+.
• Effectively trained and led team of 8 Sales Executives.
• Received Top Sales Award from company 3 consecutive years.
• Spearheaded new marketing plans with research and media strategies which have improved profits by $2.6 million gross per annum.

Executive Chef Qualifications Summary Example

• Creative – Team player – Excellent time management
• 12 years experience in Michelin star restaurants in NYC and Paris.
• Expertise in French haute cuisine.
• Prepared between 700-1000 covers daily.
• Reinvented menu to improve attendance by 110% and profits.
• Specialist knowledge of FDA requirements.
• Catered for a wide range of 3 and 5-course fine dining galas, fundraising events and festivals.

Entry-Level IT Associate Qualifications Summary Example

• Analytical – Resourceful – Flexible
• Two years experience in Library Helpdesk Technical Assistance.
• Graduate of BSc in Computer and Information Technology with 3.50 GPA.
• Proficient in several programming languages, software applications, operating systems and database management.
• Exceptional troubleshooting skills resulting in an improvement of 30% in issue-resolution.
• Accustomed to fast turn-around times for maintenance and technical tasks.

The qualifications summary on a resume differs from the summary statement simply by the manner of formatting the information included. As seen in these  qualification summary examples , the general layout is what makes the  difference between the summary statement and the qualification summary  as opposed to the content or focus.

If you prefer to offer a paragraph format for your summary or to get extra  resume help with your summary statement,  you can take a look at our guide to writing one to ensure you create the best possible introduction to your resume for your job search.

If you need help putting together your qualifications summary,  ResumeCoach  also offers an  online resume maker  which gives you professional advice and clear, practical examples to follow, to ensure you get the most out of your resume.

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How to Write a Statement of Qualifications (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

When you’re looking for a new job, you need a resume that genuinely packs a punch. Overall, around 60 percent of hiring managers spend 11 seconds or less deciding whether a resume should remain in contention. Want more time than that? With a stellar statement of qualifications, you can get it.

Is an exceptional summary of qualifications genuinely that powerful? Yes, it really is.

So, do you want to make sure that yours is on-point? Great! Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Statement of Qualifications?

Alright, before we dig into how to write a statement of qualifications or a summary of qualifications example, let’s talk about what one is in the first place.

One thing you may have already noticed is that the terms “statement of qualifications” and “summary of qualifications” look pretty interchangeable. In reality, they are. Both options are phrases that describe the same resume section.

There are also a few other terms that you may see pop up. “Qualifications summary” is an alternative, for example. In some cases, “job qualifications” is too, though it depends on how it’s used.

Okay, now that is out of the way, let’s dig into the definition a bit. A statement of qualifications is a resume section that highlights your strongest, most relevant capabilities relating to the job you want to land. In most cases, it’s a short, bulleted list featuring three to five critical points that you think the hiring manager really needs to see.

When it comes to where your summary of qualifications goes, it’s usually right at the top. The only thing that should sit above it is your contact details sections, as those always need to be front and center.

Pretty simple right? We think so. But how does it make a difference?

Well, with a standout statement of qualifications, you can show the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed in the role right away. You can showcase relevant skills and experience in a way that draws the eye, increasing the odds that they’ll see you’re a great candidate.

If you hoped straight into your work history instead, there’s a chance that the hiring manager would miss some of those key points. But with a qualifications summary, you reduce the odds of that happening, all with just a few bullets. How awesome is that?

What Makes a Great Statement of Qualifications?

At this point, you should have a good idea of why you need a statement of qualifications. But how do you write a great one? Well, we’re going to tell you.

First, you need to tailor the content to the job. Surprisingly, 54 percent of job seekers don’t target their resumes to the role. That means they are missing out on a crazy important opportunity.

By tailoring the statement of qualifications, you make your resume more enticing to the hiring manager. Plus, you’re more likely to have critical keywords that help you get past automated screening. That’s a win-win.

Not sure what to target in your summary of qualifications? Don’t panic. Just check out the Tailoring Method to see how you can focus the content on the exact right points.

Beyond that, you need to craft each bullet the right way. Brevity is your friend when you write a statement of qualifications. Every point needs to be straightforward to ensure the hiring manager can get critical information quickly.

Additionally, you want to make this resume section keyword-heavy. It’s all about showcasing those must-have skills and experience fast, allowing you to stand out as a right-fit candidate from the get-go.

In many cases, leading with a bullet that features your total numbers of relevant experience and either your field or job title is wise. It’s a quick snapshot that lets the hiring manager know you have enough time in the industry or specialty to do the job well.

For the rest, be achievement-oriented. By discussing accomplishments, you show the hiring manager how you put your skills to work instead of just telling them that what you can do.

Quantifying the details is also a smart move. Numbers stand out from letters on the page, drawing the eye. Plus, it’s a simple way to add context, helping the hiring manager see the value you can provide.

Common Statement of Qualifications Mistakes

Is it possible to make mistakes with your statement of qualifications? Yes, it’s completely possible. Luckily, most are pretty easy to avoid once you know what they are.

One common mistake is not using action verbs . With action verbs, each statement is more impactful by design. Not only do they help you convey important information, but they also make your resume a more interesting read.

Using “I” statements is another biggie. Why? Because “I” statements typically require more words to express the same thought. As a result, your bullets aren’t as focused.

When you write any part of your resume, incomplete sentences are okay. So, skip the “I” and get straight to the point.

Another issue is copying something you say in another part of your resume. While you can certainly showcase the same skills and even reference the same achievement, you don’t want to have the exact same statement in your resume twice. That makes the overall content less intriguing.

In a worst-case scenario, the hiring manager may even interpret the copy-paste approach as laziness. So, if you want to share the same detail twice, rephrase it significantly to avoid that potential problem.

How to Write a Statement of Qualifications

Alright, now is one of the moments you’ve been waiting for: the step-by-step guide on how to write a statement of qualification. Follow the process below to make sure you head in the right direction.

1. Identify Critical Keywords

While you might assume that the first step you need to take involves your resume, that isn’t the case. Before you do any writing, you need to tackle some research.

Head to the job description for the position you’re applying for and identify any crucial keywords. They may be within paragraphs or in the list of must-have skills and experience.

In either case, review the entire job post carefully, identifying every keyword that aligns with your capabilities. Additionally, make a note of the ones that appear near the top of lists or that are repeated, as those are usually the hiring manager’s top priorities.

2. Reflect on Your Achievements

Now that you know what keywords matter to the hiring manager, it’s time for a bit of reflection. Think about your career and determine which achievements put the keyword-related skills and experience on display.

If you come up with several accomplishments that address the same point, then look beyond that keyword. When an achievement can highlight several relevant capabilities that aren’t covered elsewhere, it may be the better addition, ensuring you can fit more keywords into the small area.

3. Embrace Brevity

As you pick accomplishments to feature, start thinking about how you can highlight them in a single sentence. Each bullet in your qualifications summary is just one sentence long, so you need to embrace brevity as you design every point.

Now, you can use run-on sentences in a resume. However, if a single bullet expands too much, shifting away from the main topic of that point, you’ve likely gone too far.

One easy way to keep an eye is to limit each point to no more than two lines on the page. Anything beyond that usually means you’re trying to fit more into a single bullet than you should.

4. Get the Numbers

As we mentioned above, adding numbers to your summary of qualifications is a great idea. If you don’t know the numbers that relate to your achievements off of the top of your head, spend time looking them up, if possible. That way, you can quantify the heck out of the details, making your statement more impactful.

For recent achievements, you may be able to find that information in work records. For older ones, reviewing your past resumes may be an excellent move. After all, if you’ve quantified your details in your older resumes, you may find what you need there.

Now, if you can’t find a number for every point, that might be okay. As long as the majority are quantified, you may be able to get by with one that isn’t. However, you might also want to consider replacing that bullet with one you can quantify, especially if you have other number-free points to share.

5. Choose the Right Order

After you’ve written a few bullet points, take a moment to choose the order you’ll put them in. Usually, you want to lead off with one that showcases your overall experience, especially if a minimum amount of experience is listed in the job ad. That way, the hiring manager knows immediately that you fit the bill in that regard.

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to think about priorities. Use the information from the job description as a reference, allowing you to see which skills are deemed critical in the eye of the hiring manager. Then, order the rest of the statements based on how high of a priority they are in the hiring manager’s eyes, ensuring they can find those essential details fast when they review your resume.

6. Double Check It for Errors

While you should always review your resume to make sure there aren’t any errors, it’s even more critical here. Since your summary of qualifications is the first thing the hiring manager usually reads, it has to be error-free. Otherwise, they may assume you aren’t detail-oriented in a matter of seconds, causing you to miss out on the opportunity.

Double (and even triple) check it for spelling or grammar mistakes. Then, ask a trusted family member, friend, or colleague to take a look, too. That way, your chances of catching errors are ridiculously high, ensuring you make the best possible first impression when you do submit your resume.

3 Statement of Qualifications Examples

When you’re learning a new skill – and resume writing certainly is a skill – having a step-by-step guide like the one above is helpful. However, it is also beneficial to see the tips in action. That way, you have a quick way to see what the final result should look like.

But we didn’t want to give you just one summary of qualifications example. Instead, we are giving you three.

Each statement of qualifications example below focuses on a different kind of position. That way, you get a better glimpse into what you need to do.

1. Accounting Position with Manufacturing Company

• Senior accountant with 7+ years of experience supporting companies in the manufacturing and production sector
• Managed annual budget of $1.2 million
• Secured 28 % in cost reductions through strategic contract renegotiations
• Supervised and trained team of 8 junior account professionals, boosting cumulative performance by 15 %
• Certified Public Account (CPA)

2. Software Development Role

• 3+ years of experience with JavaScript, Java, Python, and C#
• Designed and launched internal Android App for employee hours tracking, reducing payroll processing timeline by 10 %
• Led legacy code refactoring project, reducing technical debt and enhancing documentation quality
• Graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s of Science in Software Development

3. Management Position in a Retail Location

• 12 years of retail management experience with 8 years focused on big-box retail
• Redesigned company onboarding process, reducing turnover by 150 %
• Implemented strategic marketing initiatives, boosting sales by 58 %
• Managed a store staff of 150+
• Earned Certified Retail Management Expert (CRME) Certification

Putting It All Together

At this point, you should know exactly what you need to do to write an outstanding statement of qualifications. Along with excellent tips, at least one of the summary of qualifications examples above should inspire you, making it easier to create your own attention-grabbing list.

Just make sure that you focus on the job qualifications you see in a specific job ad. Tailoring is always a must if you want to catch the hiring manager’s eye, so make it a priority. If you do, you’ll be one step closer to job search success.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to Write a Summary of Qualifications on a Resume

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What is a summary of qualifications?

Why include a summary of qualifications, how to write a summary of qualifications, examples of a summary of qualifications, summary of qualifications faq.

A summary of qualifications gives your resume a personality. It tells your story in more detail and makes your resume stand out from the rest. However, they are more beneficial to those in specific situations. Learn what a summary of qualifications is, follow some steps to write your own and view a list of examples and frequently asked questions.

A summary of qualifications or qualifications profile is an optional section often placed at the top of a resume. Within a summary, you can list your achievements, skills and other qualifications and define them in a more in-depth manner. The format of a summary of qualifications uses brief statements to highlight some of your most relevant skills for your industry or field.

Including a summary of qualifications within your resume adds a creative and personalized feeling, making it stand out. This section can generate interest for hiring managers, encouraging them to read further. Summaries are most beneficial to individuals who require an additional explanation for their job search. For example, recent graduates with little experience use this section to explain their focus on studies. Those with transferrable skills might seek a new career in a different industry and their summary explains that in detail.

1. First, collect and include quantifiable data

The first step is to collect quantifiable data that makes your resume stand out. Use percentages or other numerical measurements to explain your previous experience. Some of your options include revenue amounts you saved, time you spent in a position, budget sizes you handled or any simple percentage of increase or decrease you created for improvement. Include this information within your summary of qualifications.

2. Second, summarize your education and experience

The second step involves summarizing your education and overall experience. Introduce your degrees and discuss programs you excelled in. If you’re a recent graduate, include if you earned any recognition such as valedictorian or salutatorian. If you earned any awards throughout your college or professional career, include them as well with a brief summary of details.

3. Third, summarize your skills, licenses or certificates

The third step involves summarizing your skills, licenses, certificates or other noteworthy information. Discuss both hard and soft skills learned during college, internships or an official employment capacity. This includes anything from generic communication skills to specific industry applications and machinery. Introduce any additional training courses you graduated from and special certifications.

4. Then, include job-specific keywords

The fourth step is to include job-specific keywords. Keywords are important on any resume for pleasing applicant tracking systems (ATS). An ATS is a software application that handles recruitment for employers by identifying the best resumes that fit their criteria. Research the position you’re interested in and study the job posting. Identify specific keywords that come up frequently and spread them throughout your resume and your summary. Avoid keyword-stuffing and only place them as essential details to complement your own skills and qualifications.

5. Finally, personalize it

The final step is to personalize it by telling your story. Explain what makes you unique or why you’re an ideal fit for the role. If you’re switching careers, a recent graduate or need an additional explanation, be sure to introduce it thoroughly. The more creative, unique and personal you make the section, the more interesting your resume becomes for employers. Careful editing and rewording may be necessary until you add the right character for the role.

The following list outlines examples of qualification summaries:

Example of a general summary

• Three years of agency experience in digital marketing
• Creative, determined, fast-paced and strategic
• Skills in critical thinking, problem-solving
• Specialized training in Facebook ads, LinkedIn ads and web design
• Four-year degree in marketing with a focus on digital spaces 

Example for a career change

• Award-winning casting manager with 10 years of experience now seeks management in human resources
• High-performing, strategic-thinking, detail-oriented professional with expertise in identifying and recruiting talent
• Four-year film school graduate with a minor in Psychology who effectively communicates with diverse populations
• Excellent skills in assessing needs, generating options and implementing solutions
• Earned certification in HR management as it pertains to the casting career field

Example for advanced experience

• Five years of experience assisting project managers in the field
• 15 years of experience in the construction industry
• Advanced skills and knowledge in team building, building codes, construction laws and budget analysis
• Four-year degree in construction engineering and certified first-aid professional
• Earned additional certification in accounting and bookkeeping

Example for a recent graduate

• Recent graduate with a four-year degree in graphic design
• Creative, determined, dependable
• Works well under pressure with tight deadlines
• Advanced experience with Photoshop and InDesign
• Advanced skills in storyboarding, concept art, logo design and character art

The following list answers some of the most common questions relating to qualification summaries:

Do qualification summaries negatively impact ATS ratings?

A summary of qualifications gives you the opportunity to add more detail and personalization to your resume. Since ATS tracks specific keyword usage, using your summary as a way to express many of those keywords positively impacts ATS ratings. As mentioned previously, however, avoid keyword-stuffing as it may negatively impact your score. 

Can I omit a skills section if I include a summary of qualifications?

Only omit a skills section from your resume if you include all relevant skill information in your summary. If you cannot include or expand upon all of your skills, then keep your skills section for all information you were unable to include. 

Is there a difference between a resume objective and a summary of qualifications?

Resume objectives are often short, including no more than three sentences. They’re meant to be a very brief introduction of the candidate. A summary of qualifications allows you to add more detail and clarification, usually taking more space than the average objective section. You should identify which section has greater benefits for you and your situation but avoid including both sections on your resume.

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How to List a Summary of Qualifications on a Resume

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Even though every section of your resume is valuable, you might be wondering how to really emphasize your skills to a potential employer.

Often, there are important details about your achievements, performance, or personality that you want to put front and center for a hiring manager to see. Therefore, simply putting these qualifications in your work experience descriptions may not have the impact you’re looking for.

The best way to emphasize details about your qualifications to a potential employer is by listing them as their own separate section on your resume. This section of your resume is called a Summary of Qualifications, and will give you the opportunity to share what makes you a great employee.

Key Takeaways:

A summary of qualifications presents your most qualifying traits in a section tailored for your potential employer.

Use bullet points in your summary of qualifications.

Things you can address in your summary of qualifications include years of experience you have in a select field, any specializations or unique skills you were trained in, and critical achievements.

As with most of your resume, use quantifiable data when possible in your summary of qualifications.

What Is A Summary Of Qualifications

How to format a summary of qualifications, what is in a qualifications summary, other examples of qualification summaries, why is a summary of qualifications important, should i use a summary of qualifications.

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A Summary of Qualifications presents your most defining achievements or personality traits in a way that is meant to maximize your perceived value as an employee.

A Summary of Qualifications should be tailored to the employer you are applying to. Therefore, a Summary of Qualifications should only include information relevant to the job. It is located at the top of a resume to direct the reader’s attention and introduce your most important qualifications.

A Summary of Qualifications is optional, however it can be very beneficial, especially if you meet certain criteria, such as exceptional and extensive qualifications.

How you format a Summary of Qualifications is just as important as what you say. To format a Summary of Qualifications:

Keep it brief. Like other important sections of your resume , such as your education and work experience, your Summary of Qualifications should aim to be brief, while also highlighting important details.

Place it at the top of your resume. As mentioned previously, this section of your resume serves as a way to highlight your value, and should leave a memorable impact. Therefore, you should place your summary of qualifications at the top of your resume.

Avoid first person language. You should also keep in mind that the way in which you write is important. Avoid I or me statements, and instead focus on an active voice with action verbs .

Instead of writing “I was awarded for completing 85% of my group’s graphing and paperwork”, start your statement with an action verb, and keep an active voice by saying:

Awarded by the team for completing over 85% of the group’s graphing and paperwork post-excavation

Use bullet points. Additionally, in talking about impact and readable formatting, it’s important to note that the most effective way to present Qualifications Summary is through the use of a bullet list. This formatting works in favor of you and your potential employer for a few reasons:

Focus. The bullet list style will make each qualification stand out as an individual merit.

Direct. The bullet style conveys a directness that will highlight the importance of your words.

Easy to read. The hiring manager will be able to skim the summary without missing out on the critical details

Ideally, you should limit your bullet list to no more than 6 or 7 qualifications, and those qualifications shouldn’t be more than 2 lines long. In keeping to this formatting, you will maximize the benefits mentioned above.

Even though you know how to format your Summary of Qualifications, maybe you aren’t sure what to include. Perhaps you feel too average, or like you lack some of this incredible experience that some of the samples convey.

However, you shouldn’t fear. There are always clever ways to make yourself seem extraordinary, and a Qualifications Summary will only help on that front.

Here is an general template for a Summary of Qualifications:

Years of experience you have in a select field Highest degree you’ve achieved, including your major, school and graduation year Leadership experience, including how many people you worked with or worked for you Critical achievement or major project you completed, ideally including numerical data Any specializations or unique skills you were trained in Important daily tasks or responsibilities you had in a previous role Professional recognitions, including certifications or awards you received

As you can see, a Summary of Qualifications should be crisp and clean. All of the bullet notes are easy to skim without losing their punch, and this will benefit you immensely in your pursuit of that shiny new job. Though, keep in mind that this is a template, and if you feel you lack any of the items listed, you do not need to include them.

Here is an example of a Summary of Qualifications using some of the items on the template:

Summary Of Qualifications Ten years of experience working as an ER nurse and midwife Achieved a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Boston (2018) Five years of experience leading a team of 15 nurses Reduced patient mortality rate in the ER by 11% Managed up to 20 patients a day, including recording and monitoring their condition

Even if you can’t hit all of the key points on the template, there is always something you can include as a qualification you have. No matter what, those qualifications will make you stand out above another applicant.

Additionally, regardless of what you choose to include, easy details to start with are how long you’ve been working in a certain field, and your highest education level. These qualifications are especially valuable if you’re applying to a position that requires relevant experience in these fields . You should also keep in mind that the most beneficial way to present these skills is through quantifiable data, showing exactly what you have achieved. Instead of saying that you have many years of experience, say:

7 years of experience working in X field

When in doubt, some key skills you should display in your summary are: authority, creativity, efficiency, management, and communication.

Here are some powerful words you can use to display those skills:

Authority and Management: mentored, supervised, administered, coordinated, delegated, trained

Creativity: envisioned, conceptualized, designed, performed, customized

Efficiency: maintained, organized, prepared, arranged, updated, scheduled

Communication: collaborated, persuaded, discussed, presented, clarified, facilitated

All that being said, you’re more than ready to write a glowing Summary of Qualifications.

Worked at Tom’s Groceries for nearly 2 years Achieved a high school degree from Franklin High with a GPA of 3.7 Complemented by grocery staff and teachers alike as being extremely patient and eager to learn Trained as a cashier and a cart attendant Skilled in multitasking, due to balancing a part time job at Tom’s Groceries and honors classes in high school at the same time

Volunteered for a field archaeology project in Pompeii every summer for 4 years Graduated Anthro University with a Masters in Anthropology and a 3.8 GPA Worked with 5 other Archaeologists in a unit, requiring intense communication and passionate teamwork Completed a 70 page research project, which studied the civilian life at the height of the Roman Republic Finished 14 projects before their due date, while maintaining professional quality Awarded by the team for completing over 85% of the group’s graphing and paperwork post-excavation

Over 10 years of experience in customer service Achieved a high school degree from Samson High (2010) Trained 7 newly hired sales associates, and mentored them so they could adapt to their new responsibilities Set a Black Friday record at Bob’s Electronics for checking out 287 customers Well-spoken and easy to talk to, often utilizing a proficiency in English and Spanish to communicate with customers Awarded Employee of the Month on two separate occasions, including November 2019 and July 2020.

Experience working as a Realtor in the capital region for over 6 years Graduated from Housing College with a Masters degree in Business Administration (2017) Adept at networking, and licensed to work as a realtor in New York and Connecticut Increased housing sales by 22% while working at Realtor Co. Gave 72 sellers renovation advice that resulted in a return on investment of at least $15,000 Helped 60% of buyers receive offers that were over asking Received Top Realtor of the Month for 7 months in a row from August 2019 through March 2020

Having this section as a part of your resume is not required, however, that’s what makes it stand out. If someone is competing for the same position as you, and submits a resume that lacks a Summary of Qualifications, you will gain a step up by including one. By displaying your value front and center, a hiring manager should not only be confident in your individual merit, but also your potential as a new employee.

Using a summary of qualifications depends on your circumstances. You should strongly consider providing a Summary of Qualifications if:

You have extensive professional experience. If you have a lot of experience, a Summary of Qualifications can help to summarize your most important traits. A Summary of Qualifications brings those traits to the attention of the reader a lot faster.

You are a recent graduate or have little professional experience. Conversely, you may have little experience but plenty of transferable skills and accomplishments you want to highlight, which a Summary of Qualifications can do for you.

You are changing careers. When changing careers, your resume at first glance may look like its filled with irrelevant job experience. A Summary of Qualifications helps you show you have the desired traits.

You have the space. If you find you still have space on a one page resume, a Summary of Qualifications can be a nice way to bring to the reader’s attention your most important abilities.

Remember, a Summary of Qualifications is optional, so it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to provide one.

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Jack Flynn is a writer for Zippia. In his professional career he’s written over 100 research papers, articles and blog posts. Some of his most popular published works include his writing about economic terms and research into job classifications. Jack received his BS from Hampshire College.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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Summary of Qualifications for a Resume

Introducing your resume with a summary of qualifications can serve to present your experience, skills, and expertise in a succinct way to draw in a potential employer and convince them to keep reading the rest of your resume. This can boost your chances of scoring an interview and eventually getting hired.

This article will cover what a summary of qualifications is and how to write a successful one, plus provide a few examples.

What Is a Resume Summary of Qualifications?

A summary of qualifications is an introductory resume section that uses bullet points to summarize your work experience , skills , and accomplishments. This type of introductory section should be placed right below your resume header. It’s also sometimes called a qualifications summary or statement of qualifications.

Other Types of Resume Introductions

There are two other types of resume introductions that are commonly used: resume summaries and resume objectives . A resume summary includes essentially the same information as a summary of qualifications, but it also can include your education details and is typically written in paragraph format rather than bullet points.

A resume objective is a type of introduction that’s best for students, recent graduates, and others who are new to the professional workforce. It essentially states your career goals and shows how your goals align with those of the company that you are applying to work for. A resume objective can also be a good choice for those making a career change.

When To Use a Summary of Qualifications

A summary of qualifications is a good option if you have plenty of experience in your industry and you are applying for another position in the same field.

A qualifications summary can be the best choice if you want to showcase your long history of accomplishments in your industry, impressive certifications that are relevant to your target role, or any particularly useful skills that you possess.

If you don’t have much or any professional work experience, you will likely be better off using a resume objective instead.

How To Write a Summary of Qualifications

If you’ve determined that a summary of qualifications makes the most sense for your resume, here are some tips to help you write an effective one:

Write It Last

It’s generally easiest to write your summary of qualifications last, after you’ve already written everything else on your resume. This way, you can see all of your relevant accomplishments, experience, and skills laid out in one place, and then you can pick the most impressive items to feature in your summary.

Target Your Summary of Qualifications To Each Job

Be sure to target your summary of qualifications (and your entire resume) to each job that you apply for. To do this, read the job posting carefully and do some basic research about the company to learn about their values and priorities. Then identify keywords and phrases that describe what the employer is looking for in a candidate, and use those power words in your resume. Most employers will make it fairly obvious what they are looking for, especially in the requirements section of the job post.

When choosing what to include on your resume and especially what to highlight in your summary of qualifications, refer to the employer’s desired traits and mention as many of them as possible.

Of course, only mention something if it’s truly applicable to you. It’s never a good idea to lie on your resume or exaggerate your qualifications. The consequences can be severe, including loss of your job, damage to your reputation, or even legal action taken against you.

Choose Your Best, Most Relevant Details

When considering what to highlight in your summary of qualifications, here are some points to include:

• How many years of experience you have
• Your most impressive soft and hard skills
• Awards, titles, or honors
• Relevant certifications , licenses, or degrees
• Examples of your leadership abilities
• Media mentions or publications
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or metrics that you have improved
• Number of people that you’ve managed, supervised, or trained
• Ways that you’ve boosted efficiency, solved problems, or saved money

Choose your top 4 to 6 qualifications to include in your summary. Remember that this section is just the hook to capture an employer’s interest and encourage them to read on. You can include the rest of your achievements later in your resume.

Try to frame each of your points in a way that makes it clear how the information is relevant to the position that you are applying for. While some skills are transferable across many different positions, some niche abilities or certifications may sound impressive but won’t bring any actual value to a company in a completely different industry. So, look for the balance between impressiveness and relevance - ideally your highlighted qualifications will be both.

Quantify Your Achievements

Finally, be sure to quantify each of your achievements with numbers and data wherever possible. Think about the KPIs that your current or past employer has gone over with you in annual assessments and include that data with your qualifications. If you don’t have this type of information on hand, you can always search online for your common KPIs in your profession and see if you can work out the numbers for yourself.

Or, if your position isn’t measurable in statistics, you can include numbers like your years of experience, the number and scope of the projects you’ve worked on, how many clients you’ve worked with, and so forth.

Ultimately, it sounds much more impressive to say that you “recruited 20 new employees and decreased the recruiting lead time by 50%, saving the company $100,000 per year” than it does to say “recruited employees and cut recruitment lead time.”

Examples of Summaries of Qualifications

Here are some examples of summaries of qualifications for a few different professions:

Customer Service Representative:

• Consistently received customer satisfaction scores of 95% or higher
• Won “Employee of the Month” twice
• Mentored 5 new hires
• Resolved open tickets 30% faster than average department time
• Created 300+ marketing materials per year - infographics, slide decks, brochures, etc.
• Wrote and executed a social media marketing campaign that grew sales by 25%
• Developed email marketing strategy and grew list to 5,000+ subscribers
• Implemented seasonal sales and promotions which increased annual revenue by 20%

Nurse Practitioner:

• Provided critical post surgery care for an average of 80+ patients per year
• Won hospital’s “Nurse Practitioner of the Year” two years in a row
• Managed and mentored 10+ newly registered nurses each year

Key Takeaways

A summary of qualifications is an introductory resume section that provides a brief overview of your most impressive skills, experience, and achievements. Once you’ve written the rest of your resume, choose the best 4-6 points that are relevant to the job that you are applying for. Be sure to quantify your accomplishments with numbers and data and tailor your summary of qualifications to each position.

Need help putting together a polished resume? Consider using Jobseeker ’s professional resume creation tool - you can enter in all of your details and select from a curated library of templates , layouts, formats, fonts, and styles. Then download your resume instantly and get started applying for jobs right away!

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What Is a Statement of Qualifications? (+ How to Write One)

3 key takeaways

• Think of your statement of qualifications as your career highlight reel—a short bulleted list of your most impressive achievements and skills.
• Not all companies, jobs, or industries require a statement of qualification, but creating one can help you better understand the role and your core qualifications.
• Teal’s AI Resume Builder with AI Achievements automatically generates metric-driven achievements you can include in your statement, resume, or cover letter.

There are plenty of challenges in the job search, but capturing the attention of a prospective employer ranks near the top of the list. It feels like you need a confetti cannon or marching band to stand out to recruiters.

A statement of qualifications is a powerful way to command the attention of hiring managers by pulling your most impressive achievements, relevant skills, and key takeaways into an easy-to-read bulleted list.

Wondering how to write a statement of qualifications—or if you even need one? This guide covers what you need to know, including:

What is a statement of qualifications?

How to write a statement of qualifications.

• Use this statement of qualifications template to get started

Statement of qualifications examples

Struggling to land interviews with your resume? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free .

A statement of qualifications (SoQ) is a list of three to six bullet points that capture your most pertinent or transferable skills, work history, and achievements to a specific position or job description.

Think of it like your highlight reel. It calls attention to your skills and tangible results that relate directly to the job in question. You might also see it called a “summary of qualifications” or “qualifications summary.”

Who needs a statement of qualifications?

If this concept is new to you, don’t be alarmed. A statement of qualifications doesn’t carry the same weight in the hiring process as a resume or cover letter. That said, there are times you may need to prepare this statement.

When you need a statement of qualifications

• The job posting specifically asks for one: Statements of qualification are more common in government and public sector jobs, but you might also see requests in industries like engineering, construction, IT, healthcare, science, and research.
• You have an opportunity to submit additional materials: If you have the chance to submit supplemental materials with your job application and resume, this statement can highlight your best qualifications, demonstrate extra effort, and help you stand out from the competition.

Even if you don’t plan to submit your statement to apply for a position, creating one can be a helpful exercise. As you write, you’re forced to focus on your most notable qualifications, achievements, and experiences, which can be valuable groundwork when it comes to resume writing, crafting your cover letter, or preparing for upcoming job interviews.

How is a statement of qualifications different from a resume or cover letter?

Your statement of qualifications is an entirely separate document from your resume or cover letter. If asked to submit one, do not combine it with other files.

However, your statement of qualifications will overlap with your other career documents, as it summarizes the high points. Because the content itself is similar, so will your approach to writing it, including:

• Understanding the job qualifications so you can emphasize relevance
• Focusing on your most impressive accomplishments
• Using action verbs to highlight your contributions
• Including quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact

And again, even if you don’t actually need to submit a written statement to an employer, writing one can help you better identify what skills and qualifications you want to highlight in your other documents and conversations. For example, the information you uncover when writing your statement could also be adapted and used in your resume summary , your cover letter, or even in a dedicated resume section. 

How is a statement of qualifications used in the hiring process?

If an employer or hiring manager asks for a statement of qualifications, they’re using it as part of the initial screening process—likely even before they look at your resume or the rest of your application. The hiring manager will review the submitted statements to create a shortlist of candidates that should move forward.

Think about it this way: Scanning a list of three to six points is a lot faster and easier than reviewing a resume. So, if and when a company requests a statement of qualifications from applicants, they’re likely using it as a tool to narrow down the initial pool of candidates in an efficient way.

Whether the job ad specifically asked for this document or you want to use it to do your due diligence or stand out to the hiring manager, these steps and tips will help you write a great statement that summarizes your most important details and qualifications.

1. Analyze the job description

Much like with your resume, relevance is the name of the game. Your impressive skills don’t matter if they aren’t relevant to the role. Conversely, they could make you seem overqualified for a job .

In order to understand exactly what makes you qualified for a position , you need to start by identifying the expectations set in the job description.

Comb through the job posting and pay close attention to the job title, responsibilities, skills, education, and other qualifications the employer lists. Highlight or note the ones you possess.

For each bullet point in the job ad ask yourself, “Do I have this?” or “Have I done this?” If your answer is yes, highlight it and then create a separate sheet where you can jot down specific examples of how you satisfy those requests or demands. That brainstorming document will be valuable as you move into the next steps.

Or, make this even easier with Teal’s Matching Mode . Select a bookmarked job and Teal will compare your resume and surface important keywords from the job description that you should add or emphasize.

2. Identify your highlights

If you’ve been in the workforce a while and aren’t making a major career change, you likely match a lot of the job qualifications. Now it’s time to pull out the best ones. Revisit the job posting to understand the most notable skills and experiences that qualify you for the position or let Teal’s Matching Mode automatically surface them for you.

To find skills and qualifications that are important, look for ones that are:

• Listed under “required qualifications” or a similar header
• Frequently emphasized
• Listed under “preferred but not required” or a similar header

TIP: If you’re struggling to narrow down your list, ask yourself this: If you could only tell the hiring manager five things about your skills, experience, and work history, what would they be?

3. Quantify and specify your achievements

A solid statement isn’t just a list of what you did—it also explains why that mattered. When you have your list of the achievements and skills you want to include, add extra impact by quantifying your results or incorporating specific examples.

Statement of qualifications example

Basic: Led and managed a sales team to consistently surpass sales quotas.

Better: Led a team of 10 sales representatives to consistently surpass sales quotas, resulting in a 15% year-over-year increase in team performance.

See the difference? Metric-driven business achievements go beyond lip service or buzzwords and provide recruiters the real-world proof of ways that your skills and knowledge have contributed to company success.

If you’re struggling to add metrics to your own bullet points, Teal’s AI Resume Achievements feature can help. 

Within a resume, click “Add achievement” and “Write with AI” to get three auto-generated achievements to consider and customize. While they’re created within the Resume Builder, you can also use them on your statement of qualifications as well.

4. Put together your points

When you know what skills you want to highlight and what results you achieved with those skills, it’s time to put together your bullet points. These need to be short yet impactful. This statement of qualifications format can help you write points that are clear, concise, and compelling.

How to structure your statement of qualifications bullet points

Action verb + task + metric = outcome

Statement of qualifications example using that format

Resolved outstanding customer service inquiries and complaints efficiently, achieving an average response time of under two minutes that led to a 95% customer satisfaction rate

5. Consider your order

Your statement of qualifications is short. So, in an ideal world, employers are making it through your entire list before deciding whether to move you forward in the process.

Even so, it’s smart to think about the order. All of them are important (otherwise they wouldn’t appear on your statement at all), but putting your most essential qualifications at the top ensures they capture the hiring manager’s attention right away.

If aspects like education level or experience seem crucial, it’s worth dedicating your first bullet to your current job title, education, or years of experience to set the scene for the rest of your list.

6. Refine your document

While your statement itself is short and simple, add some extra polish by putting your bullet points on a document that matches your resume and cover letter (with the same header on top).

Not only does that make your statement look more finished and professional, but it also ensures prospective employers know who that list belongs to if it gets separated from your application or other career documents.

7. Proofread and polish

When you have your list almost finished, dedicate enough time to proofread and confirm that your document is error free. It’s also worth briefly revisiting the job posting to review your statement with relevance top of mind. When it comes to your search for a new job, details can make the difference. 

Start with a statement of qualifications template

A powerful statement is one that you both personalize to your experience and tailor to a specific job. However, this simple summary of qualifications template can help get the wheels turning.

Statement of qualifications template

• [Adjective] [job title] with [number] years of experience in [key responsibility] and [key responsibility]
• [Action verb] [accomplishment or skill] that led to [specific result or impact] within [timeframe]
• [Action verb] [task or project] by [method or strategy], achieving [metric] in [goal]
• [Action verb] [skill or experience] to [compete task or achieve goal] leading to [metric] for [company, team, or project]
• [Action verb] [accomplishment or task], which resulted in [metric] in [timeframe]

Fill in the blanks to generate your own list. Struggling to find the right words? Teal’s AI Resume Achievements will automatically generate quantified achievements you can tailor and use.

A template is a reliable starting point, but seeing what that template can turn into is even more helpful. Using the template above, here are three statement of qualification examples in a variety of industries.

Content marketing manager statement of qualifications example

• Experienced content marketing manager with eight years of experience in creating high-quality content and developing successful content strategies.
• Devised a comprehensive content plan that led to a 40% increase in organic website traffic within 6 months.
• Optimized social media campaigns by conducting A/B testing and data analysis, achieving a 25% boost in audience engagement in two months.
• Leveraged SEO skills to improve search engine rankings, leading to a 30% increase in inbound leads for the marketing team.
• Created engaging blog posts and video content, which resulted in a 50% rise in reader engagement in four months.

Senior software engineer statement of qualifications example

• Skilled senior software engineer with 10 years of experience in full-stack development and system architecture design.
• Designed and implemented key software features that led to a 30% improvement in application performance within three months.
• Led the development of a major software project by using Agile methodologies, achieving on-time delivery completion that was under budget by 10%.
• Utilized advanced problem-solving skills to optimize existing code, leading to a 20% reduction in system bugs for the development team.
• Mentored junior engineers in coding best practices and software development principles, which resulted in a 50% increase in team productivity in six months.

Customer support specialist statement of qualifications example

• Dedicated customer support specialist with 5 years of experience in resolving customer inquiries and providing exceptional service.
• Handled complex customer issues that led to a 90% resolution rate within 24 hours.
• Streamlined the support process by implementing a new ticketing system, achieving a 20% reduction in response time in three months.
• Leveraged strong communication skills to assist customers effectively, leading to a 95% customer satisfaction rate for the support team.
• Trained new support team members in company policies and customer service techniques, which resulted in a 30% increase in team efficiency in six months.

Summarize your skills to stand out in your job search

A statement of qualifications sounds formal and intimidating. But in reality, it’s a short list that captures your most relevant skills and experiences, so they’re not overlooked by hiring managers.

Even if you aren’t asked to submit a statement of qualifications with your job application, here’s a free piece of advice: Creating one is still a helpful exercise.

Not only does the process help you better understand what a role or organization needs and how you match, but it also lays the groundwork for a far more compelling resume, cover, letter, and interview conversation.

Think about it this way: When you take the time to understand your own career highlight reel, you’re better equipped to incorporate those points in every aspect of the hiring process.

Writing impactful achievements can be hard, but Teal’s AI Resume Achievements and Matching Mode features can take the pain out of the process by automatically finding the right keywords to include and generating metric-driven achievements.

Sign up for Teal for free today .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a statement of qualifications the same as a cover letter.

A statement of qualifications is a separate document from your resume or cover letter. It includes your most relevant skills and metric-driven achievements in three to six bullet points. However, you can also include some of the information from your statement in other places—including your resume and cover letter.

What statement best describes the summary of qualifications portion of a resume?

The statement that best describes the summary of qualifications is this: A short, bulleted list that details your most impressive and relevant skills, accomplishments, and work experiences. While it’s typically not included directly on your resume, you can incorporate aspects of it in your resume summary, skills section, and work history.

How much detail should be in a statement of qualifications?

Your statement of qualifications needs to be detailed, but not long-winded. It’s only three to six bullet points, but each point should include a quantifiable metric or specific example of how your work made an impact. In short, you don’t want bullet points of buzzwords and vague statements—you want each bullet to make a case for you as the ideal candidate.

Kat Boogaard

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4 Resume Mistakes to Avoid When You Don’t Have Much Experience

• Irina Cozma

A good resume can set you apart and help you land that interview.

Understanding the common mistakes job candidates make on resumes, and how to overcome them, can set you apart from your competitors. The first mistake is including irrelevant work experience. Instead, only add roles that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. The second is customizing your resume. While it’s in your benefit to adjust your resume to better match the job description, over-tuning your resume for every application can be a waste of time — and end up slowing down your search. This is especially true if you’re focused on securing a particular position that has a standard job title like “marketing coordinator” or “sales associate.” The third is overdesigning your resume. Recruiters only spend a few seconds scanning it, so keep the format simple and straightforward. The fourth is coming off as a novice. For example, don’t use an ancient email address — update it to something that sounds more professional, and give your resume a specific name so it’s easier to identify.

Resumes. Love them or hate them, you will probably need one when you apply for a job. The resume has a specific tactical role to play in your search — to get you the interview. You need to make sure it checks a few boxes to do that work because, even if you take advantage of your network, sooner or later, you will need to share your resume with the hiring manager.

• Irina Cozma , Ph.D., is a career and executive coach who supports professionals to have better career adventures. She coached hundreds of Fortune 500 executives from global organizations like Salesforce, Hitachi, and Abbott. Irina also coaches startups and the Physicians MBA at the University of Tennessee. Download her free career guide to help you prepare for your next career adventure.

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